Sentence structure
The way a sentence is 'built' (or structured) affects how your story 'sounds'. Simple sentences which are short and sharp will create a faster pace than longer, more complex ones. The structure of sentences can affect the mood or atmosphere being created. Also, consider how punctuation is used for effect.
Look at the descriptions below. For each, describe the sort of feeling which is created. How would you describe the sentences? Is there anything else that contributes to the overall feeling or mood?
- The jack hammer punches the concrete. Noise ricochets off city buildings. Blaring horns compete for attention. Motors idling, screeching brakes, beeping traffic lights. Walk, don't walk. Go, don't go.
- The first rays of sun filtered through golden leaves to bounce gently off the dangling dew drops, dazzling her eyes with spangles of reflected light. Maisey, stepping lightly on the worn path which curved down to the river, was thinking about the day ahead and missed the clue that suggested today was not going to turn out how she had planned.
American writer Ernest Hemingway uses plain sentences in his writing, while the Aboriginal writer Archie Weller writes complex, descriptive sentences to evoke atmosphere and mood when describing settings and characters. Ask your teacher to find examples of stories by these two authors and compare their styles of writing.
Write a paragraph description using sentences you have carefully crafted for effect. Choose one of the ideas below:
- a crowd at a football grand final
- a peaceful afternoon in the bush
- a playground at recess
- a classroom during a test.
